Saving Kate

13. First Not "Date"

KATE'S POV.

"Remember the homework everyone!" My teacher says as the end of the day bell rings.

I gather my things and drop them in my bag, swinging it over my shoulder and walk into the crowded hall.

I fight through the people and out to the parking lot. I stop and pull my phone out of my bag and have four missed messages from Leanne.

Where the hell are you?!?

I have to tell you something!!

KATE! HELLO?!

Expect to see Max after school then...

Leanne, what are you talking about? Sometimes I really hate when she has hockey after school. I keep walking towards the rows of cars but someone taps my arm from behind.

"Kate, hi," it's Max apparently right on queue.

He walks next to me and says, "Since Lacrosse Opening is next week, I thought maybe we should hang out some more. What do you think?"

"Are you asking me out Max?" I say, braving it.

"Yes, again," he says smiling.

I laugh wryly and say, "I'm free after school any day."

"How's today? Maybe we can hang at my house," he says.

"Perfect, what time should I come over?"

"You can follow me over now if you want," he says pulling his keys out of his pocket.

"Uh," I nod, "let me call my brother," I say.

He nods and says, "My truck's over there," pointing to it.

"Ok," I dial Jake's phone number and wait for him to pick up. He doesn't and I guess I didn't really expect him to since he is on the JV lacrosse team and has practice today.

I call home, I still have two other brothers who'd be alone after school.

"Hello?"

"Hi Ian, I'm not coming straight home today. I'm going home with a friend," I say.

"Ok, bye," he says.

Ian hates talking on the phone but I'm kind of glad he answered as opposed to Colin because Max is waiting for me.

I walk over to Max who pockets his phone and smiles. "Ready?"

"Yes." His smile gets me every time and it's like I'm being overwhelmed with my own happiness.

•

Max's house is set back from the road. It's smaller than mine, but it makes sense since my family would need five bedrooms. I think Max has a younger sister in middle school and that's it.

I park beside him and climb out, grabbing my bag. All of a sudden, I'm terrified. My stomach turns and I want to throw up, but I tell myself I'm fine and walk over to Max.